This past January at The North Bay Community Engagement Fair, over 100 local groups gathered with thousands of volunteers to directly engage in community. Join this session to connect with like-minded organizations, explore shared values with a diverse spectrum of local groups, and share your vision for Sonoma County as we build a foundation for collective impact. This session aims to cultivate synergy, collaboration, and a holistic (and effective) ecosystem of change-makers, leaders, and coalitions of every kind. This gathering will help foster cross-collaboration, cultivate shared visioning and project discussion, and create an opportunity for your organization to share how we as a community can support your success! (a few seats left - http://choose-peace.eventbrite.com)

The welcome from conference founder and "The Good Company" author, Dr. Robert Girling, will include insights on how attitudes toward sustainability have changed since the conference started in 2006. Dr. William Silver, Dean of the School of Business and Economics at Sonoma State University, will reveal education as the essential fourth element of the bottom line for sustainability. And SOMO Living CEO Brad Baker will share his plans for a deeply sustainable, mixed-use community planned just blocks from campus.

In 2012 there were 43.1 million over 65 in the US but in the next 15 years our population of over 65-year-olds will grow to 71 million by 2030 in the United States alone and top out at 83.7 million by 2050. The global population over 65 will have tripled from 524 million in 2010 to 1.5 billion in 2050. This expanding demographic can create a crisis or create a great opportunity for business and society. In Sonoma County, this is the year of the Senior. We will explore some myths on aging, along with the challenges, and opportunities in the North Bay that this demographic will create.

The North Bay Climate Adaptation Initiative (NBCAI) is a cross-sector coalition of Sonoma County environmental non-profits and governmental agencies working to promote community resilience in the face of a changing climate. Join us for an update on some of the key projects that have established our region as a national leader in preparing for climate risks.

We live in a big moment with both significant challenges and inspiring local initiatives galore. How can we connect the dots between efforts and groups to create more healthy, just and resilient communities? Join the conversation! After a panel discussion with government, media and grassroots leaders, we will break into groups to connect and discuss the challenges and opportunities of this big planetary moment.

Jake MacKenzie & Lucas Oshun: Offsetting the Conference Impact. Jake Mackenzie has served over 20 years on the Rohnert Park City Council and has been Mayor four times. He chairs and serves on regional water, transportation, open space, sustainable growth and climate protection bodies. Lucas Oshun has four years of experience as Global Student Embassy’s Executive Director and Co-founder. GSE works in three global communities engaging local students in year-round education and action to address climate change, food security and ecological degradation. https://globalstudentembassy.org/

GSE works in three global communities engaging local students in year-round education and action to address climate change, food security and ecological degradation. Reciprocal exchanges connect our students to collaborate on sustainable garden and reforestation projects. Lucas will present on youth leadership in environmental movements focusing on organic food production in Nicaragua and USA and reforestation in Ecuador.

Rachel has introduced and helped to establish new code in Marin creating a simple and inexpensive permitting track for small second units made specifically from repurposing spare bedrooms in homes. She calls this model flexible housing. Junior second units, as they are known in local code, are the only new housing option that make both renting and owning a home in the Bay Area more affordable. Rachel is taking her model to the state to expedite the adoption of this new housing option, as more and more people struggle to remain in their homes, in the state that they love.

Since my senior year of high school, I have been active in trying to educate both myself and those around me about the impacts every single decision we make has on the world. Whether you are fighting for social justice, funding for higher education, environmental justice and protection, or raising the minimum wage, there are simple things that you can do TODAY to take control of what your money supports and what kind of society you want to live in. Alone the choices we make may feel insignificant, but together we are ultimately who determines the market, the priorities of the country, and the state of our environment. You do not have to be overwhelmed by the issues we face today, rather you can be inspired by the power and ability you have as an individual to create change. To start you on that path, through research and compilation I have come up with the Top Ten Tips to living a more sustainable lifestyle. These habits are by no means the only ways that you can make a difference, but they will certainly help you determine which aspects of your life you are willing to adjust. I am honored to have my posters featured at this event and I hope that these tips will encourage you to do one thing differently today.

A sustainable local economy produces and exchanges locally as many products needed by their citizens as they reasonably can. Sustainable communities value their unique character and encourage cooperation and trade policies benefiting local economies, and stewardship of the natural environment. Businesses work with suppliers to establish a fair exchange, cooperate with other businesses in ways that balance their self-interest with their obligation to the community and future generations and use their business practices to support an inclusive and healthy community, and to protect our natural environment and yield a "living return" to owners and investors. One important aspect of sustainable business is the reduction of carbon emissions; SB 375 of 2008 requires each region in California to create a “Sustainable Communities Strategy” that outlines the transportation, land use, and housing policies and investments that will achieve their CO2 emissions targets.

Social capital is built when our educational system, our communities and our economy work together to create meaningful jobs and vibrant social environments. We are fortunate in the North Bay to have a range of dynamic Social and Civic innovators like CAP and SEI who are working to better our communities.

Montgomery High School Green Academy is a pathway that focus on Construction Technology, Alternative Energy Applications, Environmental Awareness, and Sustainability. This program provides students actual work experience and training for jobs and possible internships in areas such as solar installation, water specialization, landscape irrigation, construction, creek restoration, native/nonnative species recognition, environmental issues, community interaction and social skill development. This session will explore the expansion of Green Academy as a model for all Sonoma County High schools.

From their start as wild-eyed innovators hustling to achieve that magic mix of support, resources, traction and luck that all start-ups struggle to find, in one year CropMobster has established its footing, and this venture is starting to grow. CropMobster has been featured in TIME Magazine, at the Commonwealth Club, and has been honored with numerous awards. Nick will inspire with his tale of the journey of starting CropMobster.

Do you have a say in how your food gets from the farm to your plate? Absolutely. Evan Wiig, Organizer at The Farmers Guild, offers a farmer's perspective on the food value chain and how you or your business can become more proactive within it. Join us for an interactive introduction to the key organizations advocating for a stronger food system as well as the many easy ways you can support the farmers working to sustain your health, your earth, and your community.

Governments, not always known for bold action and innovation, are stepping up to the climate challenge in a big way in the North Bay. Elected officials, local government staff, and non-governmental partners are leading collaborative efforts to address climate impacts and take action to ensure that our communities remain vibrant and resilient in a changing climate. This panel will present three different perspectives on how local government can create solutions to the climate challenge and prepare for the local impacts of climate change.

How do you assess the Life Cycle of art production? Should artists have to change their methods of production to align with sustainable business practices? This controversial question is posed by Danielle Siembieda, Art Practitioner and Founder of Art Inspector: Changing the Earth by Saving Art. This project asks change agents from all industries to identify ways artist can lower their carbon footprint.

The presentation begins with a brief explanation of the disheartening statistics about the health of our kids. DirectionFive is founded on the principles that if kids are a part of the process, they will be part of the solution-solutions that are education based and will last a lifetime. Our five programs are based on what kids from across the country told us they want to learn in combination with the information we know they must learn to live healthier lives, while having a healthy dose of fun in the process!

Resilience thinking means decentralizing our basic systems - food, energy, and water. It’s backup against the inevitable failure of centralized, too-big-NOT-to-fail systems. At this point in history it is imperative to overcome the nemesis of resilience - the hyper-individualism of America’s consumer culture - and rebuild a strong social fabric. The goal of “Transition U.S.” is to connect and support neighborhoods, towns, and cities to become more sustainable and self-reliant – together. Let’s grow flourishing, locally-scaled, green economies and step into a future that nourishes both people and planet.

Zeno Swijtink of Slow Food Russian River hosts a discussion about new business opportunities in sustainable agriculture and food in the North Bay with Lisa Badenfort of Ag Innovations, Jana Hill, Program Planning Analyst of the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, community foods advocate Helen Kwon, and Karen Foley, Founder and CEO of Foodie Crowd Funding. Starting with a presentation of the Sonoma County Healthy & Sustainable Food Action Plan and California's "Cottage Food Law" (California Homemade Food Act, AB 1616), this dialog contributes to a food system in the North Bay that is good (soul), clean (environment), and fair (community). You can view the action plan attached below.

Sonoma Clean Power is empowering our local communities to direct their future and choose the cleaner source of electricity they want. Starting with 30% cleaner power at a lower price is great. But the possibilities for what happens next are even more exciting, with ideas like creating an endowment using the output of solar power to generate long-term funding for local charities, or building a network of electric car charging stations using local geothermal power to run our cars. Where SCP goes next is up to you. Come and weigh in on what kind of future you want.

The essence of a sustainable health care system begins with empowering youth to make healthy lifestyle choices today to prevent chronic disease in the future. In the United States, obesity-related illnesses such as hypertension, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer are among the leading causes of preventable death. A Center for Disease Control (CDC) report in 2008 states medical costs associated with obesity were estimated at $147 billion; the medical costs for people who are obese were $1,429 higher than those of normal weight. The Petaluma Health Center (PHC) embraces sustainable, preventive healthcare by offering a variety of wellness programs that target obesity and chronic disease prevention. Kyla Ehrenreich will give an overview of the sustainable healthcare practices at PHC with a focus on Petaluma Loves Active Youth (PLAY), an innovative program for children and their families who are at risk for chronic diseases. PLAY empowers youth to take control of their health by educating them about nutritious dietary choices and engagement in daily physical activity. PLAY collaborates with Petaluma Bounty, a local organic farm, to provide the families with nutritious food and access to valuable education about food sustainability.

The innovative “Mulch Madness” program, spearheaded by the City of Petaluma’s Water Conservation department has successfully converted 10 acres of “thirsty” lawn. This talk candidly adresses the successes and challenges of the Mulch Madness program and it's catalytic potential to boost local businesses and the economy while inspiring deeper community engagement. We'll hear from Will Bakx at Sonoma Compost, Dave Iribarne from the City of Petaluma, and Trathen Heckman and Erin Axelrod from Daily Acts on the inspiring array of impacts these programs can have in our communities. They will speak to the importance of such collaborative and innovative approaches and share key insights as to how to successfully implement similar programs at businesses and municipalities in Sonoma County and elsewhere. Are you ready to join the mulch madness movement?

Sustainable Enterprises are quickly becoming a critical foundation to our vibrant and thriving North Bay economy. State Assemblymen Marc Levine will join Sonoma State University School of Business and Economics Dean Bill Silver and newly appointed Codding Entrepreneur in Residence Mark Nelson for a panel discussion on how the North Bay can encourage, build and support strong sustainable businesses and institutions. The discussion will cover current legislative policy, sustainable and entrepreneurial trends in education, and highlight how entrepreneurs can and will lead a growing green economy. Please join our panelists and determine how you can help drive "triple bottom line" results for your local community.

The North Bay enjoys national recognition for having some of the most bold and innovative efforts for reducing GHG emissions. These include Marin Clean Energy, the City of San Rafael’s award winning Climate Action Plan and execution efforts, Sonoma’s SCEIP, the ground breaking PACE financing program, SMART train, innovative land use policies and the planned Sonoma Clean Power start-up. What have these initiatives and others accomplished so far and what do they promise in the future? A panel of leading practitioners and policy makers summarize impacts and plans, as well as translate how business leaders can become successful “climate capitalists”.

The science of “downscaling” forecasted global change scenarios has just evolved to the point where we can discuss local climate projections for Sonoma County and its watersheds. What do the models suggest the climate of the future might be like in our own backyard? How much uncertainty is there? What are the implications of climate change for our conservation lands, farms, streams and rivers, and local communities? Building on collaborative cutting edge climate assessment work for the region, Dr. Micheli will summarize implications for our natural resources and emerging approaches to innovating climate adaptation strategies at the community scale.

Beyond the Fortune 1000, there is a quiet revolution occurring. Largely unreported, a growing number of small companies many located in the San Francisco Bay Area are reaching out to reduce their impact on the planet. Their efforts address the pressing challenges we face as a society—poverty, inequality, illiteracy, violence, healthcare, and climate change. Companies like Traditional Medicinals, Codding Enterprises, DC Power and Summit State Bank have chosen to work to change the traditional business model. They are integrating the environment into their business strategy. They are looking for eco-efficiencies by cutting out waste and using alternative energy resources in ways that help them to run lean, increase revenues, and reduce pollution.